Cebu is a province with plenty to offer visitors. If you’re visiting this part of Visayas, make sure to include Camotes Island in your itinerary. Camotes has white-sand beaches, cerulean, mirror-like waters, and other natural attractions. It is also accessible by bus and boat.
From Cebu City, board a northbound bus and alight at Danao. The fare is around P30. After arriving in Danao, look for the port and get on a boat traveling to Camotes. This will cost approximately P200. You can also board an OceanJet ferry from Cebu City pier to the island for P500. Here are some of the things to do and places to visit on the island.
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Santiago White Beach
This destination has fine, white sand and clear blue waters. The moment you see it, you’d want to go swimming or lie down on its powdery shore. Head here for a slow and lazy couple of hours after exploring the island. The rustic vibe of the area allows you to relax, unwind and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Rent a motorcycle or car to reach this beach conveniently.
Busay Falls
This small but beautiful waterfall has a pool that is up to 10 feet deep. Visit and go swimming to douse the summer heat. There’s a P10 entrance fee. The fastest way to reach this attraction is to ride a motorbike.
Danao Lake
If you want to visit a different attraction other than the beach, include this lake in your itinerary. Danao has a peaceful and relaxing ambiance where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, and boating. There is an entrance fee of P15. Other fees include P50 for either kayak rental or horseback-riding, P150 for pedal-boating, and P500 for a lake cruise.
Timubo Cave
This cave is located within the premises of Danao Lake. It may be small, but it is beautiful. It also has a pool inside. Go swimming and chill in the grotto after a couple of hours of exploring the island. There’s an entrance fee of P20.
Buho Rock
Camotes Island has stunning views, and one you shouldn’t miss is Buho Rock. The formations rising out of the waters make for a dramatic mix of the beauty and rawness of nature. Take a few pictures and selfies, after which try cliff diving to get an adrenaline rush. You have to pay a P20 entrance fee. Swim in the surrounding azure waters to get different angles of the beautiful rock formations.
Holy Crystal Cave
This attraction in Barangay Union, San Francisco is another cave to include in your itinerary. It takes an hour and a half to explore and requires more effort compared to Timubo. Your efforts won’t be in vain however because you’ll get to marvel at the subterranean beauty of the island. There are stalactites and stalagmites that take on different shapes and sizes. You don’t have to pay an entrance fee but be sure to give a “donation” to the guide for assisting you.
Tulang Diot Island
This island getaway destination is the perfect place to chill and enjoy. Tulang Diot may be small, but it can be loads of fun. Swim or wade in the aquamarine waters, sunbathe, build a sandcastle, do nothing, throw a Frisbee around or enjoy a slow, lazy afternoon. You can pitch a tent here for P150. There’s an entrance fee of P10. The island is near the mainland and a boat ride only costs P10 per way. You’d have to go to Tulang Daku first, the motorcycle taxi costs P100 from Consuelo Port. You can also rent a cottage for P500/day.
Bukilat Cave
This subterranean wonder is a noteworthy addition to your itinerary because of its pool and the light that enters from an opening in its roof. The surrounding stalactites and stalagmites also display the raw beauty of this attraction. There’s a P20 entrance fee. To get here, head on to Consuelo Wharf and board a bus traveling to Tudela. The fare is around P70. From Tudela’s town proper, hire a motorcycle to take you to the cave for approximately P50.
Paraiso Cave
This cave is already a developed attraction but is still worth a look if you have time to spare. This underground destination has a natural pool that’s clear, mirror-like and bluish. Dive into its depths, swim, cool off or just float around. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of P50. It’s near Consuelo, making it an easily accessible tourist spot.
Where to Stay on Camotes Island
The island is an ideal place for those who want to relax and unwind. If you want to stay near the beach, book a room in Santiago Bay. The white beach has some resorts nearby. The San Francisco area is also a good base for exploring the island – you’d have more choices in accommodations and dining if you decide to stay in this part of Camotes. Here are the top resorts according to Agoda users (as of Januaty 2019). You might want to consider one of them if you haven’t booked a place yet.
- Mangodlong Paradise Resort. âś… CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Camotes Flying Fish Resort. âś… CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Santiago Bay Garden and Resort. âś… CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Mangodlong Rock Resort. âś… CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
For more options, search here: Cebu Hotels
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